Saudis Backing Egyptian Military

Saudi Arabia is now openly backing the Egyptian military which runs the government, promising to make up whatever aid has been canceled from the West. The Saudis are joining other contributors who have pledged $12 billion to help the current Egyptian government.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal called Egypt “our second homeland” and added, “Concerning those who announced stopping their assistance to Egypt or threatening to stop them, the Arab and Islamic nation is rich with its people and capabilities and will provide a helping hand to Egypt.”

This tactic may pit the Saudis against Turkey and Qatar, which vie for power in the region, and anger Washington, which is reportedly cutting off military aid.

King Abdullah recently praised the Egyptian military and said their Islamic opponents were practicing “terrorism, extremism and sedition.”